Wedding Bells

Last weekend, my daughter got herself hitched to a pretty special fellow. As you can see, they had eyes only for each other during their first dance as man and wife.

The Big Day started out warm, sunny, and plenty humid. But by the time we were ready for the ceremony, huge dark clouds rolled in and lightening began to flash. We knew a wedding on the first hole of the golf course simply wasn't going to happen.

After a minor meltdown and calming sip or two of wine, the bride agreed to move the ceremony to a covered patio area. The change in plans worked out perfectly with a view that included a lovely lake. The rain didn't touch us and I think all the guests would agree the move didn't diminish the beauty of the ceremony one little bit. Besides, isn't rain on a wedding day supposed to be lucky?

I know for sure my luck is blooming bright as the North Star. Guess why? You know how I've complained before about only having grand-dogs and grand-cats? Well, this marriage brought me not only a terrific son-in-law but two awesome ready-made grandsons to call my own. I'm now officially a G-ma. Hooray!

The Happy song has been burning a hole in my brain lately. My daughter's wedding reminded me of how very blessed I am to have so many wonderful people around me...both family and friends. Not to mention the critters who occupy my lap and run my life. I'm feeling good, clapping my hands, and oh yes, I'm happy!

"Clap along if you know what happiness is to you..."

Hooray for Today!

You know how sometimes you just plug away but nothing seems to really click, and you start to wonder, why the heck am I doing this, and then all of a sudden out of nowhere you get an email that makes you holler
"Hooray, that's awesome!" in the middle of your day, which startles your co-workers in the adjoining cubicles because they certainly don't expect to hear anything like that at the office, so you apologize in a squeaky little-girl voice as you explain you just got notified about winning second place in a contest plus you're getting a story published, which is so exciting you could almost pee your pants.

Well, that was my life today.

Whispering Prairie Press awarded my essay, "A Pair of Good Boots", second place in a writing competition. I won $50 and publication in the next issue of their literary magazine, "Kansas City Voices". What a surprise, especially when the first paragraph of the email sounded like the old, thanks for entering our contest, but...

I'm now on Cloud 10 (one step above Cloud 9).

Have you gotten any news lately that made your day?

Happiness...Cat-Style

Of course, cats are pretty darn happy critters, too.

Not to be outdone by his canine brother, Bogey thought long and hard. Then he put together a list of the top ten reasons for cat-tappiness. Here they are in no particular order. And Bogey says to tell you...you're welcome. 

1. Allow others to demonstrate they love you. Reward them with purrs.

2. Factor play time into the day, but only for reasonable periods and when in the mood.

3. Keep a sharp eye out for interesting things and then find a way to steal borrow them.

4. Show through enthusiastic meows or withering looks just what type of meals are expected.

5. Rise above anything so mundane as worries.

6. Turn ordinary things into exciting ones.

7. Take at least 24 power naps each day.

8. Don't wait for an adventure...make one.

9. Sometimes getting even is necessary to level the playing field.

10. Limping a little bit promotes extra TLC when you need it.


Well, there you have it. Two very different views on how to be happy. I suppose each have their points, so it's up to you to choose what works.

Meanwhile Memorial Day weekend is approaching, so please take a moment to remember those who fought for our freedom while you enjoy the official kick-off of summer.

Hubby insists we spend the long weekend at the river. No doubt we'll be quite well-baked by the time we return. Near record high temperatures (mid to upper 90's) are expected, and guess what? Our ancient and slightly creepy sleeping quarters features no air conditioning! Hubby, this time you've gone too far.

But never fear. I'll practice being happy while secretly mulling over the possibilities presented by Bogey's rules #9 and #10.

Age Brings Wisdom...Doggie-Style

I can vouch for the fact that over the years my Indy-boy has become a master at being happy.

What miracle keeps a living creature consistently out of dark shadows and smack-dab in the middle of warm sunshine? Reflecting on Indy's daily life, I find his rules are really pretty simple.

1. Let others know you love them. Don't say it, show it.

2. Be willing to drop whatever you're doing for good old-fashioned play time.

3. Practice an attitude of gratitude for what you have.

4. Consume each meal with enthusiasm.

5. Waste no energy worrying.

6. Find excitement in ordinary things.

7. Take at least one nap each day.

8. Always be ready for an adventure.

9. Never hold a grudge.

10.Even when aches, pains, or illness can't be fixed; make it a point to enjoy the pleasures of each new day anyway.

Indy is one happy little dog. I can't help but wonder...what would happen if I started living life like he does?